At the 51st Session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) held in Istanbul, Türkiye, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs. Francess P. Alghali, made a compelling case for the reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Her remarks, delivered on June 22, 2025, underscored the pressing need for a more equitable, representative, and accountable global governance system, particularly as it pertains to the African continent.
In her address, Deputy Minister Alghali pointed out the glaring underrepresentation of Africa within the UNSC, despite the continent’s crucial role in global peacekeeping and security efforts. She emphasized that Africa’s contributions to international stability have often gone unrecognized, and called for a collective effort among OIC member states to advocate for reforms that would ensure better representation for the continent. Alghali’s remarks resonated with the overarching theme of the conference, “The OIC in a Transforming World,” which reflects the multifaceted challenges facing Muslim-majority nations today, including geopolitical tensions and humanitarian crises.
The Deputy Minister’s speech also included a strong condemnation of the ongoing violence in the Gaza Strip, which has led to the tragic loss of more than 46,000 civilian lives, including around 18,000 children. She urged for an immediate ceasefire and called for inclusive dialogue aimed at achieving a sustainable two-state solution that would guarantee peace and security for both Israel and Palestine. Alghali’s passionate plea highlighted the urgent need for international intervention to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The CFM conference, held from June 21-22, 2025, featured discussions on a range of pressing issues, including economic development and the need for unity among OIC member states in addressing emerging threats in the Middle East. OIC Chairperson Hissein Brahim Taha opened the session by describing the current Israeli-Iranian tensions as a “dangerous turning point,” calling for an end to hostilities and the swift implementation of OIC resolutions concerning Israel.
Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mohammed S. Barrie, facilitated a meeting on the sidelines of the conference between Deputy Minister Alghali and key representatives, including the Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia to the OIC, Dr. Saleh bin Hamad Al-Suhaibani, and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani. This meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation among member states.
Accompanying Deputy Minister Alghali was Tiangay Kaikai from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, further indicating Sierra Leone’s commitment to engaging actively in international diplomacy and fostering solidarity among OIC nations. The call for UNSC reform and the urgent need for peace in the Middle East encapsulate the challenges and aspirations of the OIC in a rapidly changing global landscape.
